A Lion is on its way back to Paisley this summer…and the hunt is on for a local artist to help bring back the magic back to life.

Following the success of the Pride of Paisley Public Art Trail during the summer of 2016, Paisley First has been donated a lion by local company MacAsphalt.

Now Paisley First is looking to commission a local artist to name and paint this Lion which will take pride of place in Paisley town centre.

The Pride of Paisley 2016 consisted of 25 full sized lions which were painted by artists and 40 mini lions which were painted by local school children.

The event was visited by more than 20,000 people with the 25 larger lions then auctioned off to the benefit of two local hospices- ACCORD and St Vincent’s- with the final amount raised a staggering £79,300.

Paisley Love Buddie was the most sought after lion fetching a magnificent £6500.

Paisley First is welcoming submissions from artists with the theme “Inspired by the town of Paisley and its people”.

Paisley First Vice Chairman David Wallace said: “The Pride of Paisley was a huge success for everyone involved and was enjoyed by both visitors to Paisley and Buddies alike. This will be a fitting tribute to ensure the public art trail is remembered for years to come.”

David added: “We are excited to see the designs that are submitted and looking forward to the Lion joining the town’s other famous landmarks.”

Application packs can be downloaded from the Paisley First website www.paisleyfirst.com and the closing date is 5pm on 3rd April 2017.